Anatomy And Physiology Questions - The Autonomic Nervous System

The figure represents a pathway that uses acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in many functions in the body, including muscle movement, memory, and learning. It is released by neurons in the brain and peripheral nervous system and acts as a chemical messenger, transmitting signals between nerve cells. Therefore, based on the information provided, acetylcholine is the correct answer for the neurotransmitter used by the pathway represented in the figure.

Postganglionic neurons from the otic ganglion supply the head. The otic ganglion is a small parasympathetic ganglion located near the mandibular nerve. It receives preganglionic fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerve and sends postganglionic fibers to various structures in the head, including the parotid gland, the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, and the blood vessels of the face. These postganglionic neurons help regulate blood flow, salivation, and other functions in the head region.

A postganglionic neuron releases neurotransmitter at the effector cell. This means that once the signal has been transmitted from the preganglionic neuron to the postganglionic neuron, the postganglionic neuron releases the neurotransmitter at the target cell or effector cell. This neurotransmitter then binds to receptors on the effector cell, transmitting the signal and causing a response. This is an important step in the autonomic motor pathway, where the postganglionic neuron carries the signal from the ganglia to the target organ or tissue.

Skeletal muscle is not controlled by the output of the ANS. The ANS, or autonomic nervous system, controls involuntary functions of the body, such as the activity of smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and exocrine glands. Skeletal muscles, on the other hand, are controlled by the somatic nervous system, which is responsible for voluntary movements. Therefore, the output of the ANS does not have any direct control over skeletal muscle activity.

Airway dilation is NOT caused by the parasympathetic division. The parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for rest and digest activities, which include decreased heart rate, decreased pupil diameter, increased digestion, and increased urine production. However, airway dilation is controlled by the sympathetic division, which is responsible for the fight or flight response.

Airway constriction is NOT caused by the sympathetic division. The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which involves increasing heart rate, redirecting blood flow to vital organs and muscles, and increasing blood glucose levels. However, airway constriction is caused by the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response.

Sympathetic ganglia have the shortest preganglionic axons compared to the other options listed. Preganglionic axons are the nerve fibers that extend from the central nervous system to the ganglia, where they synapse with postganglionic neurons. In the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, the preganglionic axons are relatively short and synapse in the sympathetic ganglia, which are located near the spinal cord. This allows for rapid transmission of signals from the central nervous system to the target organs or tissues, enabling the "fight or flight" response.

The given answer is correct because all of the options listed (ciliary ganglion, pterygopalatine ganglion, submandibular ganglion, and otic ganglion) are examples of parasympathetic terminal ganglia. Terminal ganglia are located near or within the target organ and contain the cell bodies of postganglionic parasympathetic neurons. These ganglia are responsible for regulating the parasympathetic innervation of specific organs or structures. Therefore, the statement "All are parasympathetic terminal ganglion" accurately describes the options provided in the question.

The correct answer is the pelvic splanchnic nerve. The pelvic splanchnic nerve is responsible for supplying the genitals. It is a branch of the sacral spinal nerves and carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that innervate the pelvic organs, including the genitals. Cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X do not supply the genitals.

Autonomic motor neurons regulate visceral activities by both increasing and decreasing activities in effector tissue. This means that they can either stimulate or inhibit the activity of the target organs or tissues, depending on the specific needs of the body. Additionally, the statement does not mention anything about changing the direction of synapse in the axons, so this option is not relevant. Therefore, the correct answer is both a and b.

Dual innervation describes an effector that is innervated by both the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. This means that the effector receives input from both branches, allowing for a balanced regulation of its activity. Dual innervation is important for maintaining homeostasis and coordinating various physiological processes in the body.

This figure represents the somatic nervous system motor pathway. The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements and controls the communication between the central nervous system and the skeletal muscles. The motor pathway refers to the pathway through which signals are transmitted from the central nervous system to the muscles, resulting in movement. Therefore, the figure likely shows the pathway through which motor signals travel from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles in the somatic nervous system.

Cholinergic receptors are a type of receptor that respond to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Nicotinic receptors are found in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and they are responsible for mediating the effects of nicotine. Muscarinic receptors, on the other hand, are primarily found in the peripheral nervous system and are responsible for mediating the effects of muscarine. Therefore, both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors are classified as cholinergic receptors.

Interoceptors are sensory receptors that detect stimuli from within the body. They are responsible for sensing changes in blood vessels, visceral organs, and muscles. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as interoceptors can be found in all of these locations.

The superior cervical ganglion serves the head region. This ganglion is a collection of nerve cell bodies located in the neck, specifically in the upper part of the sympathetic trunk. It receives signals from the spinal cord and sends them to various structures in the head, including blood vessels, sweat glands, and smooth muscles. These signals help regulate blood flow, body temperature, and other functions in the head region.

Noradrenalin and acetylcholine are neurotransmitters that bind to autonomic receptors. Autonomic receptors are responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Noradrenalin is released by the sympathetic nervous system and binds to adrenergic receptors, while acetylcholine is released by the parasympathetic nervous system and binds to cholinergic receptors. Therefore, the correct answer is Noradrenalin and acetylcholine.

The right sympathetic trunk ganglion is located in the G position.

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. It is characterized by short preganglionic neurons, thoracolumbar output (meaning the preganglionic neurons originate from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord), synapse with blood vessels, and the ability to stimulate sweat glands. However, it does not have ganglia in the head.

White rami communicantes are structures that contain sympathetic preganglionic axons. These axons connect the anterior ramus of the spinal nerve with the ganglia of the sympathetic trunk. Therefore, white rami communicantes are the correct answer to this question.

The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating the autonomic tone. It controls various functions of the autonomic nervous system, such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and digestion. The hypothalamus receives information from different parts of the body and sends signals to maintain homeostasis. It also plays a crucial role in coordinating the body's response to stress and is involved in the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. Overall, the hypothalamus is essential for maintaining the balance and functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

The terminal ganglion is not considered a part of the prevertebral ganglia. Prevertebral ganglia are a group of ganglia located anterior to the vertebral column and are associated with the sympathetic nervous system. They include the coeliac ganglion, superior mesenteric ganglion, and inferior mesenteric ganglion. The terminal ganglion, on the other hand, is a ganglion located at the end of a nerve fiber and is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. Therefore, it is not considered a part of the prevertebral ganglia.

The coeliac ganglion supplies the stomach with postganglionic neurons. The coeliac ganglion is located near the coeliac trunk, which is a major artery that supplies blood to the stomach and other abdominal organs. This ganglion is part of the autonomic nervous system and plays a role in regulating the functions of the stomach, such as digestion and blood flow. Postganglionic neurons transmit signals from the ganglion to the stomach, helping to control its activity.

The lumbar splanchnic nerve supplies the inferior mesenteric ganglion with preganglionic neurons. This nerve arises from the sympathetic trunk in the lumbar region and carries sympathetic fibers to the abdominal organs. The inferior mesenteric ganglion is located in the abdomen and receives these preganglionic fibers from the lumbar splanchnic nerve, which then synapse with postganglionic neurons in the ganglion.

Acetylcholine is released by parasympathetic postganglionic neurons and is removed faster than noradrenaline. This is because acetylcholine is rapidly broken down by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is present in the synaptic cleft. On the other hand, noradrenaline is removed through reuptake by the presynaptic neuron or by diffusion away from the synaptic cleft, which is a slower process. Therefore, the correct answer is "Parasympathetic and faster."

The right vagus nerve is located at position A in the figure.

Decreased blood flow to the hypothalamus when sympathetic stimulation occurs does not cause longer lasting and more widespread sympathetic effects compared to the parasympathetic division. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating the autonomic nervous system, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. When sympathetic stimulation occurs, increased blood flow to the hypothalamus is expected, not decreased blood flow. Therefore, decreased blood flow to the hypothalamus would not contribute to the longer lasting and more widespread sympathetic effects.

The correct answer is "Preganglionic neurons form a gap junction with the postganglionic neuron." This statement is not correct because preganglionic neurons form a synapse, not a gap junction, with the postganglionic neuron. A synapse is a specialized junction where signals are transmitted from one neuron to another, while a gap junction is a direct connection between the cytoplasm of two cells, allowing for the exchange of ions and small molecules.

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The coeliac ganglion supplies preganglionic neurons to the superior mesenteric ganglion. This ganglion is responsible for innervating the organs of the midgut, including the small intestine, cecum, ascending colon, and most of the transverse colon. The coeliac ganglion acts as a relay station, connecting the sympathetic preganglionic fibers from the thoracic spinal cord to the postganglionic fibers that innervate the superior mesenteric ganglion. This allows for the regulation of blood flow, secretion, and motility in the midgut.

The cardiac plexus is the correct answer because it is the largest autonomic plexus. The cardiac plexus is a network of nerves located at the base of the heart, formed by branches from the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It innervates the heart and plays a crucial role in regulating heart rate and cardiac function.

The hypogastric plexus is located anterior to the fifth lumbar vertebra and supplies the pelvic viscera. The other options listed do not match this description. The inferior mesenteric plexus is located in the abdomen and supplies the descending colon and rectum. The renal plexus is located around the kidneys and supplies the renal arteries and ureters. The coeliac plexus is located in the abdomen and supplies the stomach, liver, and other abdominal organs. The superior mesenteric plexus is located in the abdomen and supplies the small intestine and part of the large intestine. Therefore, the correct answer is the hypogastric plexus.

The lacrimal gland is supplied by postganglionic neurons from the Pterygopalatine ganglion. This ganglion is located in the pterygopalatine fossa, which is a small space in the skull. The postganglionic fibers from this ganglion travel to the lacrimal gland and are responsible for its innervation.

Preganglionic neurons are supplied to the submandibular ganglion by Cranial nerve VII, also known as the facial nerve. This nerve provides the preganglionic parasympathetic innervation necessary for the function of the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands, facilitating salivation.

The correct answer is D because in the figure, the lesser splanchnic nerve is labeled as D.

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The otic ganglia are responsible for sending postganglionic axons to the parotid salivary gland. The ciliary ganglia are responsible for controlling the muscles of the eye, the pterygopalatine ganglia are responsible for controlling the lacrimal gland and nasal mucosa, and the submandibular ganglia are responsible for controlling the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands. Therefore, the correct answer is the otic ganglia.

The superior mesenteric ganglion is located at position M in the figure.